Type C: Distributor sells us streaming files which we host locally for specified purpose & period of time. We've had some problems streaming locally hosted files.

Type D: Distributor requires us to purchase physical copy (VHS or DVD) of title and charges additional fees for us to legally create streaming files from content and legally stream it for specified purpose & period of time. This model can be extremely costly and time-consuming. Expect delays.

Type E: Distributor sells us streaming licenses and permissions to reformat VHS or DVDs we purchase (or already own) from their catalogs.

Type F:Vendor sells library a subscription to a collection of video titles, packaged in an index-like database format. Users can browse, seach, play videos. Some packages support user customized creation of video clips and playlists, user annotations, etc. and provide on/off captioning. A preferred type!

Type G:An emerging trend is for film distributors to license other companies to stream their titles. Important distributors using this new model are California Newsreel, PBS, and the famed Criterion / Janus Collection, who have established recent partnerships with Films on Demand, Kanopy, and Alexander Street. (Since 2014-present)

Film Type Definitions

theatrical release - a feature film or movie that is released to show in theaters; often used as a descriptor to distinguish entertainment and "Hollywood" movies, international cinema, and similar feature-length films. May also refer to the period of time that a film is being shown in theaters. Many contemporary theatrical release films are subsequently released on DVD for purchase after they are no longer being shown in theaters.

documentary - a film that is usually factual and educational in nature, and produced to inform its audience about a specific topic. Documentaries feature real people in real life situations, as opposed to actors portraying fictional stories or situations. Documentaries may be produced to show on television, occasionally in theaters, or go direct to DVD. Depending on demand and other factors, documentaries may be available for purchase on DVD.

Instructors: Contact Course Reserve staff with any questions on titles from these distributors....

Licensed Film & Video Distributors

Here's a quick list of major distributors with whom we have worked. Each one handles streaming rights differently. See "Types" defined in left column. Don't see your distributor here? We've worked with a number of other distributors, including some very small companies. Ask us!

Type D: ISU Course Reserves has begun establishing a digital licensing relationship with this distributor, whose titles focus on educational documentaries and films in the social sciences and on globalization, sustainability issues, and environment issues. Please work with Course Reserve staff to request any titles for your online course. Note: Bullfrog Films are available via the DocUSeek streaming video platform.

Type D, Type E, Type G: Films from this important distributor are available in a number of ways. ISU Course Reserves has established a digital licensing relationship with this distributor, whose well-known titles focus on African and African American studies, race, and ethnic studies. California Newsreel (CN) is somewhat unique in their provision of "In Perpetuity" streaming licensing. See also this Guide's list of streaming titles we already own from CN. Some CN titles are also available via Films on Demand and also Kanopy; contact Course Reserve staff for more information.

Type F: Library staff are currently researching this package. Wide collection of popular and current feature films, available via subscription. (Note this is NOT the same company as the renowned Criterion / Janus Collection, whose streaming titles may be available via Kanopy and to individuals via individual subscription to Hulu Plus.)

NEW: Type A: Over 26,000 titles are available via Kanopy, a company that has established streaming partnerships with a large number of important film distributors including the Criterion / Janus Collection; Kino Lorber; HBO; PBS; Media Education Foundation, the Russian Cinema Council, and many others. The Library can acquire films from these and other distributors via our new partnership with Kanopy (from whom we already subscribe to all Media Education Foundation titles). Contact Course Reserve staff for more information.

Type C: ISU Course Reserves has begun establishing a digital licensing relationship with this important national distributor. While hundreds of its films are available to watch online, the NFB website makes clear they are "free for personal use" but "...on a subscription basis for schools and institutions." Please work with Course Reserve staff to request any titles for your online course.

Type A: ISU Course Reserves has established a long-standing digital licensing relationship with this important distributor, whose huge film catalog focuses on theatrical release feature films and Disney titles. Their Movie Search interface is helpful for finding known items. Currently, there does not seem to be an A-Z listing of all titles, but you can also effectively browse by actor, director, film Rating, or Genre, using drop-down menus on the Movie Search page. Their website also includes helpful information on Understanding Copyright and the TEACH Act. Please work with Course Reserve staff to request any titles for your online course.

Distributors without Clearcut Licensing Models

A number of well-known video distributors have not yet published clear cut streaming rights information on their websites or ordering information. They may provide some streaming titles but do not seem yet to be widely publicizing that format and relevant acquisition / pricing information on their websites. Below are a few distributors that currently seem to fit this model. For that reason, acquiring streaming rights from these distributors may be time-consuming.

The Discovery Channel has established a licensing model for streaming curricular content developed for the K-12 environment. However, it is unclear whether this includes any Discovery Channel programs or episodes. Course Reserve Processing staff are working to establish a digital licensing relationship with Discovery that pertains to specific Discovery Channel programs and that is relevant to higher education online courses. Note that the Discovery Channel does stream selected episodes and clips of selected programs free on their website.

This distributor currently does not allow online streaming of their content without subscribing to HBO itself. This is a great model for home viewing but less helpful in academia. They do provide limited streaming content on their own website; titles, coverage, and length of clip varies greatly. Full length programming requires HBO subscription. New! As of July 2014, HBO titles may now be available via Kanopy - contact Course Reserve staff to inquire on availability. (Updated 7/2014)

New! As of July 2014, PBS titles may now be available via Kanopy - contact Course Reserve staff to inquire on availability. Previously, PBS had begun handling their own streaming rights but quickly discontinued that practice around May 2013. Selected PBS titles may already be available via streaming video packages the Library already has, such as Filmakers or other Alexander Street products. Thus, PBS programs continue to need availability and cost verified by Course Reserve staff through research on a title by title basis. Please understand that a title listing in PBS's vast catalog does not guarantee availability of streaming rights. Note that PBS does stream selected episodes and clips of selected programs free on their website. Content and availability may vary. (Updated 7/2014)

This important collection of films and documentaries made by women is among the majority of video distributors who have not yet clearly promoted digital licensing / streaming rights acquisition models on their website. However, they confirm that "TYPE D" digital licensing is now available for all their titles by inquiry. NEW (7/2014): The Library has acquired licensing to reformat & stream the following 15 titles most heavily requested by ISU instructors: Hell to Pay; Love, Women & Flowers; Honored by the Moon; Warrior Marks; Beyond Beijing; Las Madres; Made in Thailand; Something Like a War; Made in India: SEWA in Action; Performing the Border; Señorita Extraviada; Nalini by Day, Nancy by Night; They Call Me Muslim; Nice Colored Girls; Step by Step: Building a Feminist Movement, 1941-1977 (Updated 7/2014)